Gay Football Players Would Still Face 'Significant Abuse' From Fans If They Came Out, Warns FA Chairman

'I’m personally ashamed that they don’t feel safe to come out.'

The chairman of the Football Association (FA) has said he would be “amazed” if there were no gay players in the Premier League and is “ashamed” that none appear to feel safe to come out.

Greg Clarke said on Monday homophobia in football was “disgusting”, but admitted that as the FA had not managed to rid the game of it. He said he could not blame players for wanting to keep their sexuality private.

“Before we encourage people to come out, we must provide the safe space,” he told the Commons culture, media and sport committee.

Clarke told MPs he wanted to see “abhorrent” homophobia “driven from the game”.

Asked what the reaction a player would receive from some supporters if they came out, Clarke said: “I think there would be significant abuse.”

“There are a very small minority of people who hurl vile abuse at people who they perceive are different,” he said. “If I was a gay man, why would I expose myself to that?”

Clarke said in large football crowds the “bad people get brave” and will hurl abuse at players.